Good spot, that’s why second eyes are vital, also the $hideMainNav doesn’t need to be globally scoped as the function sits outside pages() and the variable is already in the main page scope so no global required for it.
Not sure how the process works for uploading plugins but would guess it hasn’t been approved yet?

If I have a minute I’ll add the config variable for ‘Community’ link then you can run things through their paces when your back.

I remember writing at some point that it’s often the most obvious that escapes me… Turns out I hadn’t “actually” selected any files to upload to subversion… I was just going through the motions and clicking buttons (doh!). The first version of the plugin is up and I just updated it with a whole bunch of cool new stuff. Code here: http://pastebin.com/Qquwe9pH

Thanks to your examples, I created 3 new custom configuration options: in addition to hide/show the main nav, users can now choose to hide/show the site name/logo, the Login/Signup links, and the Visit Random dropdown. I’ve also completely revamped the readme with a detailed FAQ, and added a fully commented stylesheet with the rules I use for my site to help get folks started on customizing their new admin/navbar.

Thanks a whole bunch for your invaluable help and instruction on this project! I can now say I’ve popped my plugin cherry!